No false praise…

“Oooh! I’m a horrible swimmer! I’m no good at all!” Emma moaned.

I smiled at her affectionately and nodded my head, “Ahhh Em, I know, Sweetie. You are a horrible swimmer, but one day when you grow much bigger you will be a much stronger and better swimmer. To be a good swimmer you need to take lots of lessons, you need to wear your life-jacket and you need to make sure you always have an adult swim with you until that day happens, ok?”

She smiled and agreed. There are many instances when we need to tell the truth and not over-inflate a child’s confidence or ego. Emma is always open to honest dialogue. It’s at times like this that she seems wise beyond her years.